by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

by Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports

So what are inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe's chances of remaining a Baltimore Raven after his agent entertained "several'' inquiries from interested teams including one club that called at "12:01'' Saturday?

Ellerbe is considered the reigning Super Bowl champions' most pressing priority among a dozen unrestricted free agents following the retirement of Ray Lewis.

Ellberbe's agent Hadley Englehard told USA TODAY Sports the Ravens hadn't made an offer to Ellerbe despite a Baltimore Sun story claiming they were prepared to make a "significant offer'' to keep the fourth-year linebacker by the start of Tuesday's free-agent signing period.

"I expect things to pick up at the beginning of the week as we approach Tuesday. That's where we are.

"I've had dialogue with teams. There were several. One team in particular called me at 12:01.''

Undrafted out of the University of Georgia, Ellerbe can't ink a new deal with any other team until 4 p.m. ET Tuesday when free agency and the new league year begin.

According to a new rule, teams were able to contact Englehard about interest in Ellerbe as of midnight during the new three-day, pre-signing shopping period.

Ellerbe led the Ravens with nine tackles and had the key goal-line blitz pressure on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick that forced an end-zone incompletion to preserve Baltimore's 34-31 Super Bowl win.

Ellerbe has said he'd like to remain a Raven.

Asked what those odds are, Englehard said, "It's too early in the process.

"Most players coming from successful organizations, especially one that just won a Super Bowl would prefer to stay -- if the money is the same.

"This is now a business, especially for someone who was undrafted this a chance to capitalize on his earning potential.

"With the NFL standing for 'Not For Long,' this is his chance to do that.''